WO2012035788A1 - Air conditioning system and air conditioning method - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention adjusts the discharge direction or discharge amount of air-conditioned air that is discharged from the discharge port of each air conditioning device (30₁-30₈) in accordance with the proportion that is work region in the air-conditioned region of the air conditioning devices (30₁-30₈). As a result, the air conditioning of the work region is prioritized, and air conditioning of corridors and spaces where cabinets, compound machines, and the like are installed is limited. Consequently, it is possible to reduce the amount of consumed energy needed for air conditioning while forming a comfortable environment surrounding a user who is working in the work region.

Description

Air conditioning system and air conditioning method

The present invention relates to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning method, and more particularly to an air conditioning system and an air conditioning method for air conditioning a space.

With recent global warming and the development of economic industries that are progressing on a global scale, efforts aimed at reducing CO ₂ emissions or reducing energy consumption are regarded as important. Against this background, various technologies for reducing energy consumed in office buildings and large stores and promoting energy saving have been proposed (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

The air conditioner described in Patent Document 1 defines a plurality of small areas by dividing a space to be air-conditioned. Next, the radiation temperature of each small area is measured, and the discharge amount of the conditioned air is determined based on the temperature difference between the small areas. And the discharge direction of conditioned air is determined so that conditioned air may flow toward the area | region where radiation temperature is high.

Moreover, the air conditioning apparatus described in Patent Document 2 uses an ultrasonic sensor or the like to measure the distance from the installation position of the air conditioning apparatus to the wall surface surrounding the air conditioning apparatus, and becomes an air conditioning target. Estimate the shape of the room. Then, the discharge direction and discharge angle of the conditioned air are determined in consideration of the shape of the room and the position of the discharge port of the conditioned air.

Japanese Patent No. 4337427 Japanese Patent No. 2723470

By using the air conditioner described in Patent Documents 1 and 2, the interior of the space can be uniformly air-conditioned. However, since these devices perform air conditioning regardless of the distribution of people in the space, there is an inconvenience that wasteful energy is consumed for air conditioning control in a space where there are no people.

The present invention has been made under the circumstances described above. When air-conditioning a space, the air-conditioning is performed in consideration of the position of the person existing in the space, so that the person around the person existing in the space is surrounded. The goal is to reduce energy consumption while creating a comfortable environment.

In order to achieve the above object, an air conditioning system according to the first aspect of the present invention includes:
A plurality of outlets that are distributed in a space to be air-conditioned and discharge air-conditioned air;
A discharge amount calculating means for calculating a discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port for each discharge port in accordance with a ratio of a user work area to an air-conditioning region assigned to the discharge port;
A discharge amount adjusting unit that adjusts a discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from each of the discharge ports based on a calculation result by the discharge amount calculating unit;
Have

The air conditioning system according to the second aspect of the present invention is:
A plurality of first air conditioners that are dispersedly arranged in a space to be air conditioned and in which the angle of the discharge direction for discharging the conditioned air is variable in multiple stages between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction;
Based on a distance from an installation position of the first air conditioner, the air conditioning area of the first air conditioner is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a specifying unit that identifies a small area including the most work area of the user;
An angle calculating means for calculating an angle of the discharge direction when discharging the conditioned air toward the small area specified by the specifying means;
An angle adjusting means for adjusting an angle of the ejection direction based on a calculation result of the angle calculating means;
Have

The air conditioning method according to the third aspect of the present invention is:
According to the ratio of the user work area to the air-conditioning area distributed and arranged in the space to be air-conditioned and assigned to the plurality of outlets for discharging the conditioned air, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the outlet is set. Calculating each discharge port;
A step of discharging the calculated amount of the conditioned air from each of the discharge ports;
including.

The air conditioning method according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is:
Air conditioning for air-conditioning the space by using an air conditioner that is distributed in a space to be air-conditioned and can change the angle of the discharge direction for discharging the air-conditioned air in multiple stages from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. A method,
Dividing the air conditioning area of the air conditioner into a plurality of small areas based on the distance from the installation position of the air conditioner;
Identifying a small area containing the most work area of the user;
Calculating an angle of the discharge direction when discharging the conditioned air toward the specified small region;
Adjusting the angle of the ejection direction to the calculated angle;
including.

According to the present invention, the discharge amount and discharge direction of the conditioned air discharged from each discharge port are determined in consideration of the user's work area. Thereby, while air-conditioning around a user is performed preferentially, the air-conditioning to the area | region considered that a user does not exist can be saved. Therefore, it is possible to reduce energy consumption while forming a comfortable environment around the user existing in the space.

It is a block diagram of the air-conditioning system concerning a 1st embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen displayed on a display unit. It is a figure which shows the data table regarding air conditioner model information. It is a figure which shows the data table regarding air conditioner position information. It is a figure which shows the data table regarding seat position information. It is a block diagram of an air conditioner. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the discharge amount of conditioned air. It is FIG. (1) for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the discharge amount of conditioned air. It is FIG. (2) for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the discharge amount of conditioned air. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on a display unit after adjustment of the discharge amount of conditioned air is complete | finished. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the discharge direction of conditioned air. It is a figure for demonstrating the procedure which adjusts the discharge direction of conditioned air. It is a figure which shows the positional relationship of a discharge outlet and an air-conditioning area | region.

<< First Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment. The air conditioning system 10 is a system that air-conditions a space where a plurality of users perform desk work or the like, for example, a tenant or an office.

As shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 10 includes a management device 20 and eight air conditioning devices 30 connected to the management device 20 via a network 50.

The management device 20 includes a communication unit 21, a control unit 22, a display unit 23, an input unit 24, and a storage unit 25.

The communication unit 21 includes, for example, a communication interface dedicated to air conditioning control, a serial interface, or a LAN (Local Area Network) interface. The management device 20 is connected to the network 50 via the communication unit 21.

The display unit 23 includes an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The display unit 23 displays the processing result of the control unit 22, the operating status of the air conditioner 30, and the like.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a graphic screen displayed on the display unit 23. The graphic screen includes an image of the floor 100a of the space 100, an image showing the desk 101, the cabinet 102, and the multifunction device 103 arranged in the space 100, and eight icons 30i ₁ to 30i displayed on the image. _{8 is} composed. The icons 30i ₁ to 30i ₈ respectively represent the air conditioners 30 ₁ to 30 ₈ , and the positions at which these icons 30i ₁ to 30i ₈ are displayed correspond to the positions of the air conditioners 30 ₁ to 30 ₈ in the space 100. Yes. Further, the icons 30i ₁ to 30i ₈ have different display colors according to, for example, the discharge amount of the conditioned air and the operating state of the air conditioners 30 ₁ to 30 ₈ .

The input unit 24 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like. The operator's instruction is notified to the control unit 22 via the input unit 24.

The storage unit 25 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a magnetic disk or a semiconductor memory. The storage unit 25 stores air conditioner connection information 25a, air conditioner operation information 25b, air conditioner model information 25c, plan view information 25d, air conditioner position information 25e, and seat position information 25f regarding the air conditioner 30. .

The air conditioner connection information 25a includes information on the address numbers of the air conditioners 30 to be managed by the management apparatus 20, and information on the group to which the air conditioner 30 belongs when the air conditioners 30 are grouped. It is. The air conditioner connection information 25a is input by an administrator of the air conditioning system 10 or the like when the air conditioning system 10 is started up.

The air conditioner operation information 25b includes information on the output of each air conditioner 30, the operation mode such as cooling or heating, the set temperature, the temperature around the air conditioner 30, the discharge amount and the discharge direction of the air conditioner air, and the like. The air conditioner operation information 25 b is sequentially updated by the control unit 22 communicating with the air conditioner 30 via the communication unit 21.

As can be seen from the air conditioner model information 25c, for example, referring to the data table shown in FIG. 3, the number of air-conditioning air discharge directions, the number of switching stages of the air-conditioning air discharge amount, and the presence / absence of a swing function are indicated. It is information to include. Note that the number of switching steps of the discharge amount is a numerical value indicating that the discharge amount can be adjusted to four steps when the switching step is four, for example.

The air conditioner model information 25c is acquired by the management apparatus 20 receiving it from each air conditioner 30 via the network 50. The administrator of the air conditioning system 10 can input the air conditioner model information 25c via the input unit 24.

The plan view information 25d is image data of the floor 100a constituting the space 100. This image data is, for example, a layout drawing of the space 100 converted into electronic data, and is input by the administrator of the air conditioning system 10. This image data is displayed on the display unit 23 as can be seen with reference to FIG.

The air conditioner position information 25e is information indicating the position of each air conditioner 30 in the space 100, as can be seen by referring to, for example, the data table shown in FIG. Note that the position of the air conditioner 30 refers to the center position of the air conditioner 30. Each icon 30i shown in FIG. 2 is arranged on the screen based on the air conditioner position information 25e.

The position of the air conditioner 30 is defined by position coordinates in the XY coordinate system with the origin at the lower left corner of the floor 100a constituting the space 100, as can be seen with reference to FIG. As shown in the data table of FIG. 4, the X coordinate of this position coordinate is equivalent to the distance from the origin to the direction parallel to the X axis, and the Y coordinate is the distance from the origin to the direction parallel to the Y axis. Is equivalent to The position of the icon 30i on the screen shown in FIG. 2 is defined by the air conditioner position information 25e.

The seat position information 25f is information indicating the position and size of each of the work areas A1 to A4 configured by the 12 desks 101, as can be seen by referring to, for example, the data table shown in FIG. The positions of the work areas A1 to A4 are the positions of the lower left corners of the work areas A1 to A4. The positions of the work areas A1 to A4 shown in FIG. 2 are defined by the seat position information 25f.

The positions of the work areas A1 to A4 are defined by position coordinates in the XY coordinate system with the origin at the lower left corner of the floor 100a constituting the space 100, as can be seen with reference to FIG. As shown in the data table of FIG. 5, the X coordinate of this position coordinate is equivalent to the distance from the origin to the direction parallel to the X axis, and the Y coordinate is the distance from the origin to the direction parallel to the Y axis. Is equivalent to The size of the work areas A1 to A4 is defined by the size in the direction parallel to the X axis (horizontal width) and the size in the direction parallel to the Y axis (depth). The positions and sizes of the work areas A1 to A4 on the screen shown in FIG. 2 are defined by the seat position information 25f.

The control unit 22 includes a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) that is a work area of the CPU, and the like. Based on the information stored in the storage unit 25, the control unit 22 calculates the output, operation mode, conditioned air discharge amount, conditioned air discharge direction, and the like of the air conditioner 30. Then, the calculation result is output to the communication unit 21. As a result, the calculation result is output to each air conditioner 30 via the communication unit 21. Further, the control unit 22 receives information such as the operating status of the air conditioner 30 via the communication unit 21 and outputs the information to the display unit 23. Thereby, each air conditioner 30 can be monitored via the display unit 23.

Although not shown in FIG. 1, the air conditioning system 10 also includes a heat exchanger (outdoor unit) that performs heat exchange between the space 100 and the outside air.

Referring back to FIG. 1, each air conditioner 30 is a device that discharges harmonized air into the space 100. These air conditioners 30 are arranged on the ceiling of the space 100 and discharge conditioned air in four directions. For example, as can be seen with reference to FIG. 2, the air conditioners 30 are arranged in a matrix of 2 rows and 4 columns, and discharge conditioned air in the X-axis direction and the Y-axis direction.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the air conditioner 30. As shown in FIG. 6, the air conditioner 30 includes a communication unit 31, a control unit 32, a discharge amount switching device 33, a discharge direction switching device 34, and a storage unit 35.

The communication unit 31 includes, for example, a communication interface dedicated to air conditioning control, a serial interface, or a LAN interface. The air conditioner 30 is connected to the network 50 via the communication unit 31.

The discharge amount switching device 33 adjusts the discharge amount of the conditioned air in multiple stages based on an instruction from the control unit 32. In the present embodiment, the discharge amount switching device 33 discharges the conditioned air into the space 100 after adjusting the discharge amount of the conditioned air in four stages of strong, medium, weak, and light winds.

The discharge direction switching device 34 has a louver that switches the discharge direction of the conditioned air in the vertical direction. And based on the instruction | indication from the control unit 32, the discharge direction of air-conditioning air is adjusted to a multistep in the up-down direction

The storage unit 35 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a semiconductor memory. In the storage unit 35, discharge port shape information 35a, discharge amount step number information 35b, and discharge direction step number information 35c relating to the specifications of the air conditioner 30 are stored.

The discharge port shape information 35a is information for identifying the number of discharge ports and the shape of the discharge ports.

The discharge amount stage number information 35b is information for determining the maximum discharge amount of conditioned air and how many stages the maximum discharge amount can be adjusted. With this discharge amount stage number information 35b, for example, the air conditioner 30 can switch the discharge amount of the conditioned air to three levels of strong, medium, weak, or four levels of strong, medium, weak, and light winds. It is possible to determine whether switching is possible.

The discharge direction stage number information 35c is information for determining how many stages the discharge direction of the conditioned air can be adjusted. With this discharge direction step number information 35c, for example, the air conditioner 30 can switch the discharge direction of the conditioned air up and down in six steps, for example, 15 degrees each, or can be switched in four steps, 22.5 degrees each. It is possible to determine whether it is possible, or whether it is possible to switch to three stages by 30 degrees. Note that the angle per stage does not need to be calculated proportionally. For example, the angle of each stage depends on the model, such as 10 degrees for the first stage, 15 degrees for the second stage, and 35 degrees for the third stage. It may be defined in advance accordingly.

The control unit 32 includes a CPU, a RAM (Random Access Memory) serving as a work area of the CPU, and the like. The control unit 32 communicates with the air conditioner 30 via the communication unit 31 as necessary. In addition, information about the ambient temperature of the air conditioner 30 acquired via a sensor (not shown) is output to the communication unit 31. The information output to the communication unit 31 is transmitted to the management device 20.

Next, a procedure for adjusting the discharge amount of each air conditioner 30 in the air conditioning system 10 configured as described above will be described. The control unit 22 of the management apparatus 20 reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 25 at the same time as being activated. Next, for example, when an operation command is received from the user via the input unit 24, the processing represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is executed.

In the first step S201, the control unit 22 resets the counter value n.

In the next step S202, the control unit 22 increments the counter value n.

In the next step S203, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21, acquires the discharge opening shape information of the air conditioner 30 _1.

In the next step S204, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21, acquires the discharge amount stage information of the air conditioner 30 _1.

In the next step S205, the control unit 22 defines a discharge port shape information 35a acquired, based on the discharge amount stage information 35b, the air-conditioning area corresponding to the discharge ports respectively air conditioner 30 _1.

Specifically, the control unit 22 first, based on the discharge port shape information 35a of the air conditioner 30 _1, defines the air conditioning apparatus 30 _{1 as} a whole of the air conditioning area. For example, the air conditioner 30 ₁ has a different direction the four facing the discharge port, the discharge port respective shapes, when a rectangular along the edge of the air conditioner 30 _1, for example as shown in FIG. 8 a circular air-conditioning area R around the air conditioner 30 ₁ is identified. The radius of the air conditioning area R is determined according to the maximum reach of the conditioned air discharged from the air conditioner 30 _1.

Next, the control unit 22 divides the circular air conditioning region R based on the arrangement positions of the respective discharge ports. For example, when the air conditioner 30 has four discharge ports facing different directions, the air conditioning region R is divided into four fan-shaped air conditioning regions R1 to R4 according to the positions of the discharge ports. Thus, the air conditioning area assigned to the discharge opening, respectively the air conditioner 30 ₁ R1 ~ R4 are defined. When the control unit 22 defines the air conditioning regions R1 to R4, the control unit 22 proceeds to the next step S206.

In step S206, the control unit 22 reads the air conditioner 30 ₁ of the air conditioner position information 25e stored in the storage unit 25.

In the next step S207, the control unit 22 reads the seat position information 25f stored in the storage unit 25.

In the next step S208, the control unit 22 calculates the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 occupying the air conditioning areas R1 to R4, respectively. For example, as shown in FIG. 8, in the air conditioning area R1, if it contains a working area A1, the control unit 22, the position of the air conditioner 30 ₁ included in the air conditioner position information 25e, included in the seat position information 25f The ratio of the work area A1 occupying the air conditioning area R1 is calculated based on the position information (XY coordinates) of the work area A1 and the information on the width and depth. Similarly, the control unit 22 calculates the ratio of the work area to the air conditioning areas R2 to R3.

In the next step S209, the control unit 22, according to the ratio of the working area occupied by the air-conditioning area R1 ~ R4, it determines a discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port of the air conditioner 30 ₁ is provided. For example, when the ratio of the work area is 60% or more, the discharge amount is determined to be a strong level (maximum). When the ratio is 40% or more and less than 60%, the discharge amount is determined to be a medium level. When the ratio is 20% or more and less than 40%, the discharge amount is determined to be a small level. Further, when the ratio is 5% or more and less than 20%, the discharge amount is determined to be a light wind level. When the ratio is less than 5%, the discharge amount is determined to be zero.

As shown in FIG. 8, the ratio of the work area A1 to the air conditioning area R1 is about 65%. Therefore, the level of the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port corresponding to the air conditioning region R1 is determined to be a strong level. Further, the ratio of the work area A2 to the air conditioning area R2 is about 30%. Therefore, the level of the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port corresponding to the air conditioning region R2 is determined to be a small level. Further, the ratio of the work area to the air conditioning area R3 is 0%. Therefore, the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port corresponding to the air conditioning region R3 is determined to be zero. The ratio of the work area A1 to the air conditioning area R4 is about 10%. Accordingly, the level of the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port corresponding to the air-conditioning region R4 is determined as the light wind level.

In the next step S210, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21 outputs information on the discharge amount from the discharge port to the air conditioning device 30 _1. Control of the air conditioner 30 ₁ unit 32 receives the information about the discharge amount, the discharge amount changeover device 33, and notifies the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the discharge port. Thereby, the discharge amount from each discharge port is adjusted by the discharge amount switching device 33.

Figure 9 is a diagram schematically showing the discharge amount of the conditioned air from the air conditioner 30 _1. For example, as shown in the length of the arrow in FIG. 9, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port air conditioner 30 ₁ is provided, the work area occupied in the air conditioning area R1 ~ R2 assigned to each outlet It is determined according to the ratio.

In the next step S211, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the counter value n is 8 or more. If the determination here is negative, the control unit 22 returns to step S202. The processes from step S202 to step S211 are repeatedly executed until the determination in step S211 is affirmed. Thereby, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the sequential ejection port of the air conditioner 30 _{2-30 8} is adjusted.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S211 is affirmed (step S211: Yes), the control unit 22 ends the process for adjusting the discharge amount.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen displayed on the display unit 23 after the discharge amount adjustment is completed. As indicated by the arrow in FIG. 10, from the discharge port of the air conditioner ₃₀ 1-30 _8, work area occupied in the air conditioning area R1 ~ R4 assigned to each outlet of the air conditioning apparatus ₃₀ 1 to 30 ₈ A1 ~ A predetermined amount of conditioned air is discharged according to the ratio of A4.

As described above, in this embodiment, each air conditioner 30 ₁ corresponds to the proportion of the work areas A1 to A4 in the air conditioner areas R1 to R4 assigned to the discharge ports provided in the air conditioners 30 ₁ to 30 ₈ , respectively. discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port to 30 ₈ are adjusted. As a result, the air conditioning of the work areas A1 to A4 including the desk 101 is performed with priority, and the air conditioning to the space or passage in which the cabinet 102, the multifunction machine 103, and the like are installed is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to reduce energy consumption required for air conditioning of the space 100 while forming a comfortable environment around the user who works inside the space 100.

In the present embodiment, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the corresponding discharge port is determined according to the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 occupying the air conditioning areas R1 to R4. Therefore, it is possible to efficiently air-condition the space 100 without using a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature in the work area and the vicinity thereof, a distance sensor for measuring the distance from the air conditioner 30 to the work area, and the like. it can. For this reason, it is possible to reduce the cost of the apparatus.

In the present embodiment, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the corresponding discharge port is determined according to the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 occupying the air conditioning areas R1 to R4. For this reason, even if the layout of the desk 101 is changed, the proportion of the work area in the air-conditioning area is calculated again after the layout change, and an appropriate discharge amount is determined again for each discharge port. For this reason, the air conditioning which respond | corresponds flexibly to the change of the layout of the space 100 is realizable.

In the present embodiment, the control unit 22 of the management apparatus 20 determines the discharge amount in four stages of strong, medium, weak, and light winds. Not limited to this, the control unit 22 of the management apparatus 20 calculates the discharge amount X (L / s) corresponding to the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 in the air conditioning areas R1 to R4, and outputs this to the air conditioning apparatus 30. It is good as well. In this case, the control unit 32 of the air conditioner 30 sets a discharge amount corresponding to the level corresponding to the discharge amount X.

In the present embodiment, the discharge amount from the discharge port is determined according to the ratio of the work area in the air-conditioning region assigned to the discharge port of the air conditioner 30. Specifically, when the ratio of the work area is 60% or more, the discharge amount is determined to be a strong level (maximum). When the ratio was 40% or more and less than 60%, the discharge amount was determined to be a medium level. Further, when the ratio was 20% or more and less than 40%, the discharge amount was determined to be a small level. Moreover, when the ratio was 5% or more and less than 20%, the discharge amount was determined to be a light wind level. When the ratio was less than 5%, the discharge amount was determined to be zero.

The range of the ratio is an example. For example, by determining an optimal range according to the size occupied by the work area, it is possible to improve the efficiency of the operation of the air conditioning system 10 and to ensure the comfort of the user. . For example, when the work area is smaller than the work areas A1 to A4 in the present embodiment, the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning area is low. Further, when the work area is larger than the work areas A1 to A4 in the present embodiment, the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning area is high. For this reason, the control unit 22 of the management apparatus 20 may determine the range of the ratio in consideration of the area of these work areas and the ratio of the work areas on the floor 100a. As a result, the efficiency of the operation of the air conditioning system 10 can be improved and the user's comfort can be ensured.

<< Second Embodiment >>
Next, an air conditioning system 10 according to a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, about the structure same or equivalent to 1st Embodiment, while using an equivalent code | symbol, the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified.

The air conditioning system 10 according to the present embodiment adjusts the discharge direction of the conditioned air by adjusting the angle of the louver according to the ratio of the work area occupying the air conditioning area, and thus the air conditioning system according to the first embodiment. 10 and different.

Hereinafter, a procedure for adjusting the discharge direction according to the present embodiment will be described. The control unit 22 of the management apparatus 20 reads and executes a program stored in the storage unit 25 at the same time as being activated. Next, for example, when an operation command is received from the user via the input unit 24, the processing represented by the flowchart shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

In the first step S301, the control unit 22 resets the counter value n.

In the next step S302, the control unit 22 increments the counter value n.

In the next step S303, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21, acquires the discharge opening shape information of the air conditioner 30 _1.

In the next step S304, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21, acquires the discharge direction stage information of the air conditioner 30 _1.

In the next step S305, the control unit 22 defines a discharge port shape information 35a acquired, based on the discharge direction stage information 35c, the air-conditioning area corresponding to the discharge ports respectively air conditioner 30 _1.

Specifically, the control unit 22 first, based on the discharge port shape information 35a of the air conditioner 30 _1, defines the air conditioning apparatus 30 _{1 as} a whole of the air conditioning area. For example, the air conditioner 30 ₁ has a different direction the four facing the discharge port, the discharge port respective shapes, when a rectangular along the edge of the air conditioner 30 _1, for example as shown in FIG. 12 a circular air-conditioning area R around the air conditioner 30 ₁ is identified. Incidentally, the radius of the air-conditioning area R is determined according to the maximum reach of the conditioned air discharged from the air conditioner 30 _1.

Next, the control unit 22 divides the circular air conditioning region R based on the arrangement positions of the respective discharge ports. For example, when the air conditioner 30 has four discharge ports facing different directions, the air conditioning region R is divided into four fan-shaped air conditioning regions R1 to R4 according to the positions of the discharge ports. Thus, the air conditioning area assigned to the discharge opening, respectively the air conditioner 30 ₁ R1 ~ R4 are defined.

Next, the control unit 22 divides each of the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 in accordance with the number of switching stages in the discharge direction. For example, the air conditioner 30 _1, when it is adjusted to four levels the discharge direction up and down has a possible function, the air-conditioning area R1 4 aliquoted in accordance with the distance from the air conditioning device 30 _1. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12, four fan-shaped air-conditioning areas r1 to r4 having the same central angle are defined.

The control unit 22 also performs the above-described processing for the air conditioning regions R2 to R4. As a result, the air conditioning regions R2 to R4 are divided, and four fan-shaped air conditioning regions r1 to r4 are defined in each of the air conditioning regions R2 to R4. When the control unit 22 defines the air conditioning areas r1 to r4 for the air conditioning areas R1 to R4, the control unit 22 proceeds to the next step S306.

In step S306, the control unit 22 reads the air conditioner 30 ₁ of the air conditioner position information 25e stored in the storage unit 25.

In the next step S307, the control unit 22 reads the seat position information 25f stored in the storage unit 25.

In the next step S308, the control unit 22 calculates the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 to the air conditioning areas R1 to R4 for each of the air conditioning areas r1 to r4. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, if it contains a working area A1, A2 in the air conditioning area R1, the control unit 22, the position of the air conditioner 30 ₁ included in the air conditioner position information 25e, the seat position information 25f Based on the positional information (XY coordinates) of the included work areas A1 and A2 and information on the width and depth, the ratio of the work areas A1 and A2 in the air conditioning area R1 is calculated for each of the air conditioning areas r1 to r4. Similarly, the control unit 22 calculates the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning areas R2 to R3 for each of the air conditioning areas r1 to r4.

In the next step S309, the control unit 22 discharges the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port corresponding to the air-conditioning region R1 according to the ratio of the work area occupying each of the air-conditioning regions r1 to r4 constituting the air-conditioning region R1. To decide.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the discharge port indicated by the point P and the air-conditioning regions r1 to r4. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the air conditioner 30 _1, as shown the ejection direction of the arrow a ~ d, if it can be adjusted in four steps, the control unit 22, in the air conditioning area r1 When the ratio of the work area is the highest, the discharge direction is determined in the direction indicated by the arrow a. Further, when the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning area r2 is the highest, the discharge direction is determined in the direction indicated by the arrow b. When the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning area r3 is the highest, the discharge direction is determined to be the direction indicated by the arrow c. When the ratio of the work area in the air conditioning area r4 is the highest, the discharge direction is determined to be the direction indicated by the arrow d. The control unit 22 also determines the discharge direction of the conditioned air from the discharge ports corresponding to the air conditioning regions R2 to R4 in the above-described procedure.

When the work area is not included in the air-conditioning area, or when the ratio of the work areas is equal among the air-conditioning areas r1 to r4, the discharge direction is indicated by the arrow a by swinging the louver. It is conceivable to sequentially switch from the direction to the direction indicated by the arrow d.

In the next step S310, the control unit 22 via the communication unit 21 outputs information on the discharge direction of the conditioned air discharged from the respective discharge ports to the air conditioning device 30 _1. Control of the air conditioner 30 ₁ unit 32 receives information about the discharging direction, the discharge direction switching device 34, and notifies the discharge direction of the conditioned air. Thereby, the discharge direction at each discharge port is adjusted by the discharge direction switching device 34.

In the next step S311, the control unit 22 determines whether or not the counter value n is 8 or more. When the determination here is negative (step S311: No), the control unit 22 returns to step S302. The processes from step S302 to step S311 are repeatedly executed until the determination at step S311 is affirmed. Accordingly, the discharge direction of the conditioned air discharged from the sequential ejection port air conditioner 30 _{2-30 8} is provided is adjusted.

On the other hand, when the determination in step S311 is affirmed (step S311: Yes), the control unit 22 ends the process for adjusting the discharge amount.

As described above, in the present embodiment, in proportion to the working area A1 ~ A4 occupying the air-conditioning area allocated to the discharge port respectively air conditioner ₃₀ 1-30 ₈ comprises, each air conditioner ₃₀ 1-30 ₈ The discharge direction of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port is adjusted. As a result, the air conditioning of the work areas A1 to A4 including the desk 101 is performed with priority, and the air conditioning to the space where the cabinet 102 and the multifunction peripheral 103 are installed and the passage is limited. Therefore, it is possible to reduce energy consumption required for air conditioning of the space 100 while forming a comfortable environment around the user who works inside the space 100.

In this embodiment, tone air is preferentially discharged into a work area where a person is present. For this reason, a user's sensible temperature falls and the preset temperature of an air conditioner will be maintained high. Thereby, it is possible to reduce energy consumption required for air conditioning of the space 100.

In this embodiment, the discharge direction of the conditioned air discharged from the corresponding discharge ports is determined according to the ratio of the work areas A1 to A4 occupying the air conditioning areas R1 to R4. For this reason, even if the layout of the desk 101 is changed, the proportion of the work area in the air-conditioning area is calculated again after the layout change, and an appropriate discharge direction is determined again for each discharge port. For this reason, the air conditioning which respond | corresponds flexibly to the change of the layout of the space 100 is realizable.

In the present embodiment, the case where the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 are divided into the four air conditioning regions r1 to r4 according to the distance from the air conditioner 30 has been described. Not limited to this, the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 may be divided in consideration of the distance between the air conditioner 30 and the floor 100a. For example, the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 may be divided into a plurality of regions so that the areas of the air conditioning regions r1 to r4 are equal to each other.

In the present embodiment, the case where the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 are divided into four air conditioning regions r1 to r4 according to the number of stages in the discharge direction has been described. Not limited to this, the air conditioning regions R1 to R4 may be divided into two, three, or five or more air conditioning regions.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited by the said embodiment. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the discharge amount is adjusted is described in the first embodiment, and the case where the discharge direction is adjusted is described in the second embodiment. Not only this but the air conditioning system 10 may have both the function to adjust discharge amount, and the function to adjust a discharge direction.

In this case, the discharge amount may be adjusted according to the discharge direction. For example, the path length until the conditioned air reaches the conditioned area is changed by adjusting the discharge direction of the conditioned air. In this case, it is conceivable to increase the discharge amount in proportion to the length of the path. Thereby, it becomes possible to form a comfortable environment around the user regardless of the distance from the air conditioner 30. In addition, the space 100 can be efficiently air-conditioned without causing temperature unevenness.

Further, the discharge amount or the number of steps of the discharge direction of the air conditioner 30 is specified by, for example, a parameter of a program executed by the control unit 32 of the air conditioner 30, or by a dip switch or the like provided in the air conditioner 30. The case is considered.

In the above embodiment, the icons 30i displayed on the screen and the work areas A1 to A4 are arranged based on the air conditioner position information 25e and the seat position information 25f. Not limited to this, the icon 30i and each of the work areas A1 to A4 may be arranged by, for example, an administrator of the air conditioning system 10.

In the above embodiment, the case where the work areas A1 to A4 are defined by the desk 101 has been described. Not limited to this, the administrator of the air conditioning system 10 may set a work area separately.

In the above embodiment, the administrator inputs the image of the floor 100a of the space 100. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the floor plan may be acquired by the management apparatus 20 via a scanner or the like. In this case, information equivalent to the air conditioner position information 25e and the seat position information 25f can be obtained by writing marks indicating the work areas A1 to A4 and marks indicating the air conditioner 30 in the layout drawing. it can. Thereby, the initial setting of the air conditioning system 10 can be easily performed.

In the above embodiment, the air conditioner 30 is described as being an apparatus capable of discharging conditioned air in four directions. Not limited to this, the air conditioner 30 may discharge conditioned air in three directions, two directions, or one direction, or may discharge conditioned air in five or more directions. . For example, the present invention can also be applied when the air conditioner 30 disposed near the wall of the space 100 is an air conditioner that discharges conditioned air only in one direction.

In the above embodiment, all the air conditioners 30 have been described as being capable of controlling the discharge amount and discharge direction of conditioned air. Not limited to this, the air conditioning system 10 may include an air conditioner that cannot adjust the discharge amount or discharge direction of the conditioned air. In this case, an air conditioning area of the air conditioner 30 capable of controlling the discharge amount and the discharge direction of the air conditioning air is defined from the space 100 to an area excluding the air conditioning area of the air conditioning apparatus. What is necessary is just to adjust the discharge amount and discharge direction of conditioned air according to the ratio of the working area which occupies. As a result, areas other than the air-conditioning area of the air conditioner that cannot adjust the discharge amount or the discharge direction of the air-conditioned air are efficiently air-conditioned by the air-conditioning apparatus 30, resulting in a comfortable environment around the user. While forming, it becomes possible to reduce the consumption of energy required for air conditioning of the space 100.

In the above embodiment, the case where the air conditioning system 10 has eight air conditioners 30 has been described. Not limited to this, the air conditioning system 10 may include seven or less air conditioners 30 or nine or more air conditioners 30.

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-210120 filed on September 17, 2010. The specification, claims, and entire drawings of Japanese Patent Application No. 2010-210120 are incorporated in this specification.

The air conditioning system and air conditioning method of the present invention are suitable for air conditioning a space where a user performs work or the like.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Air conditioning system 20 Management apparatus 21 Communication unit 22 Control unit 23 Display unit 24 Input unit 25 Storage unit 25a Air conditioner connection information 25b Air conditioner operation information 25c Air conditioner model information 25d Plan view information 25e Air conditioner position information 25f Seat position information 30 Air conditioner 30i Icon 31 Communication unit 32 Control unit 33 Discharge amount switching device 34 Discharge direction switching device 35 Storage unit 35a Discharge port shape information 35b Discharge amount step number information 35c Discharge direction step number information 50 Network 100 Space 100a Floor 101 Desk 102 Cabinet 103 Composite Machine A1 to A4 Work area R, R1 to R4, r1 to r4 Air conditioning area

Claims (11)

A plurality of outlets that are distributed in a space to be air-conditioned and discharge air-conditioned air;
A discharge amount calculating means for calculating a discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port for each discharge port in accordance with a ratio of a user work area to an air-conditioning region assigned to the discharge port;
A discharge amount adjusting unit that adjusts a discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from each of the discharge ports based on a calculation result by the discharge amount calculating unit;
Having air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of first air conditioners that are distributed in the space and have the discharge port and the discharge amount adjusting means. The discharge amount calculation means calculates a discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the discharge port based on position information of the first air conditioner in the space and position information of the work area in the space. The air conditioning system according to claim 2. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the discharge amount calculation means sets the discharge amount to zero when the ratio of the work area to the air conditioning area is zero. When the second air conditioner in which the discharge amount of the conditioned air remains unchanged is disposed in the space, the discharge amount calculating means defines an area excluding the air condition area of the second air conditioner as the first air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 2, wherein a discharge amount of the conditioned air is calculated as an air conditioning region of the apparatus. A plurality of first air conditioners that are dispersedly arranged in a space to be air conditioned and in which the angle of the discharge direction for discharging the conditioned air is variable in multiple stages between the horizontal direction and the vertical direction;
Based on a distance from an installation position of the first air conditioner, the air conditioning area of the first air conditioner is divided into a plurality of small areas, and a specifying unit that identifies a small area including the most work area of the user;
An angle calculating means for calculating an angle of the discharge direction when discharging the conditioned air toward the small area specified by the specifying means;
An angle adjusting means for adjusting an angle of the ejection direction based on a calculation result of the angle calculating means;
Having air conditioning system. The air conditioning system according to claim 6, further comprising discharge means for discharging conditioned air in an amount corresponding to a distance between the small area specified by the specifying means and the first air conditioner. When the second air conditioner in which the discharge amount of the air-conditioning air is unchanged is disposed in the space, the specifying unit defines an area excluding the air-conditioning area of the second air conditioner as the first air conditioner. The air conditioning system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the small area is specified as an air conditioning area. The air conditioning system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising work area specifying means for specifying the work area from a position of a desk reflected in an image of a floor of the space. According to the ratio of the user work area to the air-conditioning area distributed and arranged in the space to be air-conditioned and assigned to the plurality of outlets for discharging the conditioned air, the discharge amount of the conditioned air discharged from the outlet is set. Calculating each discharge port;
A step of discharging the calculated amount of the conditioned air from each of the discharge ports;
Including air conditioning method. Air conditioning for air-conditioning the space by using an air conditioner that is distributed in a space to be air-conditioned and can change the angle of the discharge direction for discharging the air-conditioned air in multiple stages from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction. A method,
Dividing the air conditioning area of the air conditioner into a plurality of small areas based on the distance from the installation position of the air conditioner;
Identifying a small area containing the most work area of the user;
Calculating an angle of the discharge direction when discharging the conditioned air toward the specified small region;
Adjusting the angle of the ejection direction to the calculated angle;
Including air conditioning method.

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